Now the Rapist who killed the victim or leaving her in a persistent vegetative state could punish with death penalty, as per an ordinance cleared by Union Cabinet on Friday night.
Under Ordinance prepared by home ministry, the minimum punishment for rapists will be 20 years in jail and can be extended to even death in extreme cases includes permanent body damage to a woman.
As per suggestions of Justice Verma Committee report, enhanced punishment for crimes like stalking, voyeurism and disrobing a woman and brings into its ambit ‘marital rape’ has also been incorporated, sources said.
But the ordinance silent on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and marital rape, recommended by committee.
The Cabinet headed by PM Manmohan Singh has accepted most of Verma Panel’s recommendations, except debarring the politicians from government who face charges of crimes against women.
n SIngh
To prevent from public anger against Center over the Delhi gang-rape and brutal assault incident of a 23-year-old girl in December, Cabinet called a meeting on a short notice Friday night, not to wait for Parliament’s budget session that is 20 days away.
There will be amendment to the criminal laws by amending Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Evidence Act, to make a fast-track on to check crime against women.
Meanwhile, the approval of Parliament is needed for immediate effect of the Ordinance.
